As the Snow Melts, Stocks Can Melt Up

At the end of a brutal winter, which caused major disruptions in the Northeast and Midwest, the American economy appears set to spring forward. This improvement in economic momentum should facilitate the trend of rising stock prices and interest rates seen throughout much of 2013, although the pace of increase should be slower than last year.

The case for stronger growth is based on the idea that all major sectors of the economy appeared set to see stronger demand as we entered the year and weather disruptions have merely...